Sam Darnold is set to join the Minnesota Vikings, as reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The veteran quarterback is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $10 million, with $8.75 million guaranteed.
This move comes as Kirk Cousins departs for the Atlanta Falcons on a four-year contract. Darnold sees this as a chance for a fresh start and a potential opportunity to secure a starting role under head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Darnold will be suiting up for his fourth NFL team in his seventh season, having accumulated 12,064 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, and 63 interceptions in 66 games, including 56 career starts.
After beginning his career with the New York Jets, Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers, where he posted an 8-9 record as a starter over two seasons. He then signed with the San Francisco 49ers to compete for the backup role against Trey Lance. Darnold emerged victorious in the competition, leading to the 49ers trading Lance to the Dallas Cowboys before the 2023 season.
During the 2023 season, Darnold appeared in 10 games and started the final regular-season game against the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, he completed 16 of 26 passes for 189 yards and a touchdown.
With Kirk Cousins departing, the Minnesota Vikings swiftly signed Darnold, potentially as a temporary solution while they search for their future franchise quarterback in the upcoming draft.
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